A's to recall Pomeranz to pitch Wednesday vs. Astros

HOUSTON -- The A's will recall left-handed starter Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Sacramento to pitch the final game of the series with the Astros Wednesday.

That move enables the A's to push back the rest of their starting rotation -- Sonny Gray, Jon Lester, Scott Kazmir and Jeff Samardzija -- by a day and have each of them start in that order Thursday through Sunday in Anaheim against the first-place Angels.

"It's a little bit of everything," Melvin said in explaining the move to Pomeranz. "It's also giving some of these guys that we've been leaning on an extra bit of rest. Drew's done a nice job for us.

"But we certainly don't take (the Astros lightly) because they beat us two out of three last time here. It's a much better team that's given us fits this year. And Drew's done a nice job for us this year."

Pomeranz worked his way into the starting rotation after a stint in the bullpen. But his season went south June 16 when he broke his hand hitting a chair in frustration after giving up eight runs -- seven earned -- in 3.2 innings against Texas in his only bad start. He'd had a stretch of seven starts before than in which he'd allowed two runs or fewer six times.

After recovering, Pomeranz was sent to Sacramento on an injury rehabilitation assignment, at the end of which the A's left him with the River Cats. He's made eight starts for Sacramento, going 3-1 with a 3.89 ERA. With Oakland he was 5-4 with a 2.91 ERA, and strictly as a starter with Oakland was 4-4 with a 3.21 ERA.

Advertisement

Pomeranz has only pitched in relief against the Astros this year, throwing two scoreless innings on April 24.

That will create the need for a roster space, and it's possible that the A's would send down shortstop/second baseman Andy Parrino or first baseman Nate Freiman with the thought that they could get by without them until the rosters expand to 40 men next Monday. As it is, the A's are carrying one more position player that usual for them.

If they don't feel they can go short-handed on the infield, Oakland could move starter Jason Hammel, who pitches Tuesday against the Astros, off the roster.